ALBUM REVIEW: Kaiyah Mercedes, Trying To Hate You

Heartbreak’s a common theme among songwriters. Even the most thematically diverse artists have at least one lament of romantic woe buried within their catalogue.

But Melbourne singer-songwriter Kaiyah Mercedes has taken the experience of heartbreak to a new level, crafting an entire album around one specific instance of unrequited love.

Trying To Hate You is Mercedes’ second full-length album, no mean feat for someone who’s not yet out of their teens. The lyrics are deeply insightful, each track examining a different aspect of her unfortunate ‘situationship.’ The vocals are sweet but strong, something like a modern-day Dido (remember her?). 

We start with The End. Makes sense; heartbreak usually begins with an ending. Plus it’s a super catchy track, blending modern melodies and chorusing with an unexpected retro guitar solo.

Other favourite tracks include the equally as catchy If We Never Speak Again, and the beautifully bittersweet Falling Is Fatal. But the highlight is surely How To Get Over You, where the accompaniment drops to a simple piano and strings, allowing the heartfelt vocals to take pride of place.

Also of note is the title track, which earned itself a spin on Triple J Unearthed. And make sure to keep an ear out for the cool sound effects on Digging Graves and Painkillers – a shovel digging into the earth on the former and the opening of a pill bottle on the latter.

The final track Cinema Girl tells us that ‘trying to hate you was never really gonna work,’ a satisfying conclusion for the listener; not so much for the artist whose heartache is doomed to continue with their muse still holding a place in their heart!

Mercedes’ sound is consistent throughout the album, which will be a plus for many listeners, but might result in it getting a bit repetitive for those with less patience.

She has, however, headed in a brand new pop-rock direction with her most recent single MANIC!!! which dropped last week. You might want to check that one out too and see what you think!

In sum:

ALBUM: Trying To Hate You

ARTIST: Kaiyah Mercedes

RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2024

GENRE: Folk-pop

RECOMMENDED FOR: Heartbroken teens, Phoebe Bridgers fans

Listen to Trying To Hate You and follow Kaiyah Mercedes on Instagram.